The abdominal circumference of neonates at birth and established ultrasound values in relation to gestational age

Abstract

Background: Accurate estimation of Gestational age is important in obstetrics. The abdominal circumference is a tool in foetal biometry used to predict gestational age with ultrasound.

Objective: To determine the accuracy of established ultrasound values in estimating Gestational age of foetuses in Nigeria by comparing with the abdominal circumference of neonates measured at birth.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Setting: The labour ward of Central Hospital Warri, in Delta State of Nigeria.

Subjects: Newborn Neonates who were up to term.

Results: Significant correlation between the abdominal circumference and gestational age was reported. A regression model for prediction of gestational age using the foetal abdominal circumference was deduced from the study. The study showed a Mean ± SD of gestational age and abdominal circumference of 38.18 ± 2.35wks and 29.87 ± 2.36 respectively for Nigerian population and 27.74 ±7.45wks and 23.25 ±7.87 for the established ultrasound values. There was also a significant difference (P<0.05) between the abdominal circumference of Nigerian neonates and the established ultrasound values.

Conclusion: The abdominal circumference of Nigerian neonates in relation to gestational age was higher than that of the established ultrasound values. Therefore the established ultrasound values should not be generalised for obtaining gestational age in Nigeria.